Many colchicums should do well in coastal California; numerous species are native to the Mediterranean, including (in addition to the ones Jane mentioned) C. bivonae, C. boissieri, C. parlatoris, C. macrophyllum, and on and on. The most satisfactory winter-/spring-blooming colchicum here has been C. szovitsii and its cultivars such as 'Tivi' and 'Vardaovit'. Reliably perennial, with relatively large and substantial flowers that are usually effective for several weeks from March into April. Russell in Lancaster, Massachusetts -- zone 6a -- and bracing for yet another "significant winter storm" Russell Stafford Odyssey Bulbs PO Box 382 South Lancaster, MA 01561 508-335-8106 http://www.odysseybulbs.com/ http://www.facebook.com/odysseybulbs/ --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com/